I have one goal going into this race: “survival.” I’m really trying to get back into running shape but it’s been a slow journey. While I’m still a long ways from my PR (28:09) I was pleased I ran faster than I did at the 5K in May. Small steps.

I would say most of the runners were there for the casual and fun atmosphere. It wasn’t a hardcore competitive 5K like others I’ve been to.

Run at the Ridge

Mile 1: This was obviously probably the best mile because I wasn’t hurting or hating my life at any moment. Ha! There was good crowd support and a lot of residents with their pups out for support!

Mile 2: Things got crummy around Mile 1.5 and my right shin began hurting. I’ve been debating if my shin pains were from my shoes being worn out or because I’m out of shape. I’ll see if this continues. I did take a walk break at this point because I pretty much yelped “Ouch!” out loud over the shin pain. Later I was able to continue running.

Mile 3: I was ready to be done with the race. I was trying to remind myself this was only a 5K. I mean I’m a half marathoner. I run like double digits. But somehow a 5K was now HARD WORK.

Mile 3.1: I had a tiny sprint to the finish, just enough to finish in under 36:00 which felt great!

Prizes were not as lavish at this race as they were the year before, I think because there were a lot more participants this year. I still enjoyed the race and course and the post-race refreshments are excellent. However, the awards did take a while to start this year so if you wait for awards be open hanging out for quite a while at this one.

About Holly Hammersmith

Holly Hammersmith is an independent writer and editor. She blogs about how to keep a healthy home and lifestyle. Topics include wellness, household, saving money, gardening and more. Holly lives in Cleveland, Ohio, with her husband, toddler daughter and rescue dog Lulu.

Comments

No, you are not the only one. I am training for a marathon after totally bailing at 8 miles last year, and even while training I find myself being rather bipolar. One moment, I’m thinking “This is amazing, I love running, what a great accomplishment, it’s such a beautiful day!” and the next minute I’m thinking “This is the stupidest thing I’ve ever done, who needs to run 26.2 miles anyway, didn’t the guy who originally do this DIE at the end? What am I thinking!”. But eventually I end up on the upside and can usually sum up my running life with “I feel like I’m dying but I love it”. Only runners can understand this instead of thinking it’s a cry for help. 😉 Love your blog, keep it up! 🙂

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